Teacher On Leave After Reports of Improper Relationship With Student

NORTH TEXAS (CBS 11 NEWS) – University Park Police are investigating a report of an improper relationship between a teacher at Highland Park Middle School, and a student.

According to Officer Lita Snellgrove, the police department received the report on Thursday, and is gathering evidence and conducting interviews.

No arrests have been made. No warrants have been issued for an arrest. Sources tell CBS 11 News that the teacher has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation pans out.

A spokesperson for Highland Park ISD says the allegations were brought to officials’ attention during the day on Thursday.

By Friday, the district had received several phone calls from concerned parents. Parents and students who spoke to CBS 11 News say the community is well aware of the accusation.

Dr. Laurie Hitzelberger, Principal of Highland Park Middle and McCullough Intermediate Schools, emailed the parents of the schools’ 2000 students on Friday in response to the inquiries.

Dr. Hitzelberger let parents know the school district does not discuss personnel matters or ongoing investigations, as a matter of policy. But the school district takes reports regarding misconduct seriously, and conducts a thorough investigation, Dr. Hitzelberger wrote.

Officer Snellgrove says it could be several days before police are ready to release more information.

Jennifer joined CBS 11 News in September 2013. For her, the move is a return 'home.' Jennifer spent eight years of her childhood in Dallas before her family relocated to Georgia. She returned to Texas for college, graduating from the Universit...